Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] News, Discussions and Updates

[gf0012-aust]

Indeed, in fact I haven't heard of ANY RAAF or Army mission to the Highlands of PNG since the Bou retired.

Only one very recently, and it required rotary air to do the job

The Bou would have been useless

 

[MickB]

My Question about the Caribou has been well and truly answered, my thanks to all who contributed.

 

[the road runner]

Regarding the A400.

Would that be a better replacement for the C-130J?

I read an article that Australia would fly a C-17 into an area of operations ,then unload the C-17 to the C-130/C-27/Chooks(depending on mission) to fly to a FOB.

Am just curious if the A-400/C-17/C-27/Chooks would be better for the ADF or is the C-130/C-17/C-27/Chooks the right mix for our defence force?

Seems like we are well served with a variety of transport options

Cheers

 

[ADMk2]

Confirmation RAAF is proceeding with the acquisition of HARM and AARGM to equip it's upcoming EA-18G Growlers (and possibly the Super Hornets?)

Royal Australian Air Force Purchases Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Training Capability


(Source: US Naval Air Systems Command; issued June 18, 2013)



PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The U.S. Navy signed an agreement with the Australian Government on May 31 to provide its High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) training capability as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) acquisition of the EA-18G Growler.

The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with Australia for an AARGM training capability marks the first FMS sale involving the weapon. The AARGM is the U.S. Navy’s medium-range air-to-ground missile for suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses.

“The RAAF’s procurement of an AARGM training capability is another step in the direction of achieving commonality between RAAF and U.S. Navy aircraft, mission planning and maintenance capabilities in order to maximize interoperability in a coalition environment,” said Capt. Brian Corey, Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Program Manager.

AARGM addresses current capability gaps in areas where the U.S. Navy deploys and operates its existing Air-to-Ground Missile, the High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile. Specifically, AARGM defeats multiple countermeasures that have been developed by U.S. adversaries since HARM was deployed in the 1980s.

The weapon will be carried on the U.S. F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and Italian Air Force Tornado Electronic Countermeasures/Reconnaissance (ECR) aircraft. Currently, Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 squadrons are operating with AARGM.

The RAAF plans to add the HARM and AARGM training capability to their EA-18G aircraft. The Navy and industry partner Alliant Tech Systems (ATK) plan to deliver the capability to Australians in 2015 to support EA-18G flight testing. Australia announced the decision to acquire 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft in 2012.

-ends-

Not quite sure what they mean by "training capability" and no explanation is given. I guess captive carry, dummy and telemetry rounds, as well as a very limited stock of live missiles for AOSG testing purposes?

 

[weegee]

Confirmation RAAF is proceeding with the acquisition of HARM and AARGM to equip it's upcoming EA-18G Growlers (and possibly the Super Hornets?)



Not quite sure what they mean by "training capability" and no explanation is given. I guess captive carry, dummy and telemetry rounds, as well as a very limited stock of live missiles for AOSG testing purposes?

In reading that post I noticed that they mention that the HARM is quite successful against counter measure systems. Which made me think what sort of inbound defence systems are in place for Australia? If someone does decide to launch some sort of attack? (however remote) Does the RAAF just rely on the Jorn radar system when there are inbound planes so we can send up some friendly hornets to greet said planes before they get too close, or are there some other systems in place that will account for inbound missiles at defence locations around Australia if they get that close to launch that is?

 

[ADMk2]

In reading that post I noticed that they mention that the HARM is quite successful against counter measure systems. Which made me think what sort of inbound defence systems are in place for Australia? If someone does decide to launch some sort of attack? (however remote) Does the RAAF just rely on the Jorn radar system when there are inbound planes so we can send up some friendly hornets to greet said planes before they get too close, or are there some other systems in place that will account for inbound missiles at defence locations around Australia if they get that close to launch that is?

JORN, Wedgetail, AN/TPS-77, civilian air traffic control, RAN capability, allied capability and "other" assets.

It's known as defence in depth...

 

[old faithful]

And we only have a hand full of slow out classed hornets, that are under armed with out classed missiles to intercept the hundreds of super sukois ,J10,s, and J20,s that can fly at super sonic on solar power.

 

[weegee]

And we only have a hand full of slow out classed hornets, that are under armed with out classed missiles to intercept the hundreds of super sukois ,J10,s, and J20,s that can fly at super sonic on solar power.

I like what you did there! nfloorl:

 

[Todjaeger]

In reading that post I noticed that they mention that the HARM is quite successful against counter measure systems. Which made me think what sort of inbound defence systems are in place for Australia? If someone does decide to launch some sort of attack? (however remote) Does the RAAF just rely on the Jorn radar system when there are inbound planes so we can send up some friendly hornets to greet said planes before they get too close, or are there some other systems in place that will account for inbound missiles at defence locations around Australia if they get that close to launch that is?

As AD mentioned, Australia has defence in depth. For instance, one of the JORN transmitters is located near Alice Springs, which is ~1,500 km from Darwin. Given that the various anti-radiation missiles currently in service have a max range of ~100 km... The SEAD/DEAD strike package would need to be able to fly into central Australia. Not something likely given the range requirements, or the fact that ADF & other assets in/around Australia have the potential to detect inbounds hundred's of km's away from Australia.

-Cheers

 

[alexsa]

And we only have a hand full of slow out classed hornets, that are under armed with out classed missiles to intercept the hundreds of super sukois ,J10,s, and J20,s that can fly at super sonic on solar power.

....... with plasma stealth sheilding

 

[hauritz]

Regarding the A400.

Would that be a better replacement for the C-130J?

I read an article that Australia would fly a C-17 into an area of operations ,then unload the C-17 to the C-130/C-27/Chooks(depending on mission) to fly to a FOB.

Am just curious if the A-400/C-17/C-27/Chooks would be better for the ADF or is the C-130/C-17/C-27/Chooks the right mix for our defence force?

Seems like we are well served with a variety of transport options

Cheers

The A400 should be in a strong position to dominate the market for the next decade or more.

The USAF is looking to replace its C-130 fleet from 2024. They want an aircraft with roughly twice the payload capacity of the existing herc.

Who knows how they will go with it. Could be a phat herc, A400, mini-c17 or perhaps something completely new.

However if a decision were made to replace the C-130J tomorrow it would seem that the A-400 would be the only option.

 

[Bonza]

The A400 should be in a strong position to dominate the market for the next decade or more.

The USAF is looking to replace its C-130 fleet from 2024. They want an aircraft with roughly twice the payload capacity of the existing herc.

Who knows how they will go with it. Could be a phat herc, A400, mini-c17 or perhaps something completely new.

However if a decision were made to replace the C-130J tomorrow it would seem that the A-400 would be the only option.

Depending on whether it's marketed internationally or not, I would have thought the Kawasaki C-2 would be in the mix too. It's got roughly double the lift capacity of the Herc, though I don't know what it's like dimensions-wise which I'm sure is also part of the requirements. American-designed (not sure about where they're built) engines too, and of a type shared with the C-5 Galaxy, if that counts for anything (again, not too familiar on the requirements). One could be forgiven for thinking "mini C-17" just from the look of the thing... as I said though, there's holes in my knowledge as to whether it's a possibility.

Still, seems to me to be a pretty nice bit of kit.

 

[the road runner]

However if a decision were made to replace the C-130J tomorrow it would seem that the A-400 would be the only option.

I was under the impression that C-130J bulk out before they exceed their weight limit.
Am just curious if the A-400 is a good replacement for the C-130J or is there issues with the C-130 being the aircraft of choice due to its size and runway lengths ect.

Example. C-17 fly into an area away from the front lines ,unload's for a C-130 that then fly's into a Forward Operating base??

 

[ngatimozart]

Depending on whether it's marketed internationally or not, I would have thought the Kawasaki C-2 would be in the mix too. It's got roughly double the lift capacity of the Herc, though I don't know what it's like dimensions-wise which I'm sure is also part of the requirements. American-designed (not sure about where they're built) engines too, and of a type shared with the C-5 Galaxy, if that counts for anything (again, not too familiar on the requirements). One could be forgiven for thinking "mini C-17" just from the look of the thing... as I said though, there's holes in my knowledge as to whether it's a possibility.

Still, seems to me to be a pretty nice bit of kit.

There is also the Embraer KC390 which is due for its maiden flight next year Embraer Defesa & Segurança. It can carry about 3 tonne more than the Lockheed Martin · C-130J-30 Super Hercules and for an extra 300 nautical miles on two turbofans. Boeing & Embraer have entered into a marketing agreement where:

Boeing will lead sales, sustainment and training for the type in the US, UK, and "select Middle East markets", say the two companies.
PARIS: Boeing, Embraer enter joint marketing agreement for KC-390

The article states that Embraer see the KC390 as a replacement for the C130 so it could be interesting. They already have experience manufacturing military aircraft and they have a popular line of airliners.

 

[Abraham Gubler]

Don't expect Lockheed to pull out of the airlifter market just because the first Herc flew in the 1950s. There may be a post J model Herc and there may be a new Lockheed airlifter before the Herc has finished in production. Also there is a reasonable argument that the best replacement for a C-130, when you have C-27Js in the force, is more C-17s.

 

[ngatimozart]

Don't expect Lockheed to pull out of the airlifter market just because the first Herc flew in the 1950s. There may be a post J model Herc and there may be a new Lockheed airlifter before the Herc has finished in production. Also there is a reasonable argument that the best replacement for a C-130, when you have C-27Js in the force, is more C-17s.

Well they'd better be quick ordering C17s then because Boeing have finished all the 323 that the USAF ordered and once the current foreign orders are done, unless any more orders are received the production line closes. You are dead right about Lockheed Abe and they will not give up that market without a fight. They are actively pushing the Sea Herc as a cost effective alternative to the P8. They haven't stopped production of the basic J variant of the Herc yet either.

 

[RubiconNZ]

Well they'd better be quick ordering C17s then because Boeing have finished all the 323 that the USAF ordered and once the current foreign orders are done, unless any more orders are received the production line closes. You are dead right about Lockheed Abe and they will not give up that market without a fight. They are actively pushing the Sea Herc as a cost effective alternative to the P8. They haven't stopped production of the basic J variant of the Herc yet either.

The Herc will be in production at least until the end of the decade I think, though perhaps not entirely in the standard variant.

The USAF alone has a lot of special variants alone that are starting to hit the use by dates, personally I would like to see the Sea Hercules get up and going too.

 

[ADMk2]

Hawk upgrade contract announcement:

Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence Materiel – BAE Systems UK awarded contract for fast jet trainer upgrade

Apparently the Hawk Mk.127's are going to be upgraded to the latest Mk.128 standard...

 

[Cadredave]

The A400 should be in a strong position to dominate the market for the next decade or more.

The USAF is looking to replace its C-130 fleet from 2024. They want an aircraft with roughly twice the payload capacity of the existing herc.

Who knows how they will go with it. Could be a phat herc, A400, mini-c17 or perhaps something completely new.

However if a decision were made to replace the C-130J tomorrow it would seem that the A-400 would be the only option.

It shouldn't be too hard for Boeing to upgrade the CY14 - 15 designs from the 1970's to compete against the A400M and the other aircraft as these two were meant to be a direct replacement for the C130

 

[Abraham Gubler]

It shouldn't be too hard for Boeing to upgrade the CY14 - 15 designs from the 1970's to compete against the A400M and the other aircraft as these two were meant to be a direct replacement for the C130

Boeing and others also have next generation offers like the Super Frog an A400M sized aircraft with VTOL capability... There is no shortage of good designs and tech just a problem with seed money...